Yard Design & Layout Tips

A presentation of different solutions to hillside erosion and approaches to landscaping these areas, with a focus on plants that sustain wildlife.

Whether you choose to install a scarecrow to protect your plants from pesky critters, or just want to decorate your yard (or porch) for autumn, building a scarecrow is easy! All you need are a few simple supplies.

I've included my step-by-step process of creating a backyard labyrinth near my garden beds for use as a walking meditation.

Well-planned landscapes have an overall "look" to them that can be classified as a style. This article introduces native styles from around the world that are considered exotic in other locales.

What's involved with taking out a patio of pavers and replacing it with concrete? Here's how we did our project, with instructions, tips, and photos to show the steps.

Here is how I removed a tough layer of grass and weed from my yard and converted the muddy clay soil underneath into a nice, fluffy garden plot for planting. I did this without power any power tools; just my own labor, and sturdy equipment.

A microclimate is a good thing to know about if you plan to put a plant in the garden and want it to thrive.

These low-maintenance ground covers grow thickly and spread quickly to choke out weeds.

In this article, I teach you how to make your own latex mold for garden ornaments. It is fairly simple to do and does not require any fancy equipment.

What possesses otherwise sane and balanced people to fill their gardens with gnomes, black jockeys, and plastic flamingos? Take a look at this collection of wonderfully tacky lawn ornaments.

Do you have an unsightly bare spot under your bird feeders? Most of us do, but there are options for making that area as pretty as the rest of your yard. Discover my 8 easy solutions for transforming the space under birdfeeders.

Trees are beautiful additions to any landscape and yard. However, not all trees are created equal. Many beautiful trees are prone to shedding not only leaves, but branches, nuts, cones, or other debris throughout the year. Here are five trees that require a lot of maintenance.

Fire is elemental. We are drawn to it in many forms. This article explores various ways to bring it into your home landscape. It also goes over some general practices and guidelines to consider to make it safe and enjoyable.

Learn what to consider when designing a plant bed near your swimming pool. This can create a lush, luxurious environment for lounging and enjoying your poolside retreat for seasons to come!

You don’t need to have a backyard the size of the one at Versailles Palace to create a French garden. The same balance and eye appeal are easy to achieve, even on a limited budget.

A how-to guide for avoiding garden problems in the future by planning in advance. Suggestions have been included to assist you in making wise choices for your landscape design.